Construction unit

ABSTRACT

A BUILDING CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM USING A CORE WHICH CONTAINS AT LEAST ONE PASSAGE FOR UTILITY SERVICES. FLOOR AND CEILING PANELS ARE CONNECTED TO THE CORE, WHICH SERVES AS ONE SIDE WALL OF A LIVING UNIT OR THE SIDE WALLS OF THE TWO ADJACENT UNITS, AND A DWELLING CAN BE CONSTRUCTED USING AN OFFSET CONFIGURATION OF CORES ON ADJACENT FLOORS.

Sept- 20, 1971 c. HODGETTS Q 3,605,354

CONSTRUCTION UNIT Original Filed Jan. 5, 1968 N 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. i

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INVENTOR CRAIG HODGETTS United States Patent CONSTRUCTION UNIT Craig Hodgetts, 201 W. 77th St.,

New York, N.Y. 10024 Continuation of application Ser. No. 695,990, Jan. 5,

1968. This application Oct. 24, 1969, Ser. No. 869,395 Int. Cl. E04c 1/34, 1/348; E04h 1/04 US. Cl. 52-73 17 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A building construction system using a core which contains at least one passage for utility services. Floor and ceiling panels are connected to the core, which serves as one side wall of a living unit or the side walls of the two adjacent units, and a dwelling can be constructed using an offset configuration of cores on adjacent floors.

This application is a continuation of application 695,- 990 filed Jan. 5, 1968, now abandoned.

Simplification and reduction of costs in building systems is always a desirable goal. Heretofore, several arrangements have been proposed for prefabricated buildings in which various portions of a building are assembled at a central location, transported to the building site and then put together at the site into the final structure. While these structures have accomplished their intended purpose to some degree, they have been less than entirely satisfactory since the prefabricated structures are usually only utilizable in one way thereby considerably restricting the building configuration and/or requiring a large number of different types of prefabricated units to achieve any degree of versatility in assembling different types of structures.

The present invention relates to an improved type of building system which permits a variety of different types of buildings to be constructed using a relatively few of the same parts. In accordance with the invention, a core unit is used which forms an integral part of the building structure. The core unit is preferably formed with utility service passages on its top and bottom so that a single core can service spaces, such as dwelling units, on either side as well as above and below it. The cores are designed so that horizontal panels, serving as floor and ceiling members can be readily attached. Thus, a single core can have floor and ceiling panels attached thereto. In a multistory building the floor panel attached to the core of the upper floor serves as the ceiling for the dwelling unit of the next lower floor. The core, being a box beam structure, is self-supporting. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each core is also provided with additional components such as kitchen and/or bath units. These units are integrated as part of the core to further increase its structural strength. A core so implemented can be constructed to serve the same dwelling unit or two adjacent dwelling units. Also, the core can be constructed with integral steps, which also increase the structural strength to provide access from one floor to the next.

The cores of the present invention readily lend themselves to a unique multi-story building construction in which the cores on adjacent floors are offset from each other in a staggered, or checkerboard, pattern. Using this arrangement, for example, the floor panel for one floor is held between one core on the same floor and the offset core on the next lower floor. The same panel serves as the ceiling for the next lower floor.

The building system of the present invention has many advantages in that it permits the prefabrication of the core and panel units, thereby considerably reducing the cost of the resultant building. Also, the cores may be 3,605,354 Patented Sept. 20, 1971 arranged and/or mounted in many different configurations permitting a large number of types and sizes of buildings to be constructed using the same parts.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a novel building system using core units.

A further object is to provide a building system in which core units are used, each core containing utility passages for utility lines to serve areas adjacent the core.

Another object is to provide a building system in which a number of core units are used in a staggered, checkerboard pattern in a multi-story building.

Still a further object is to provide a building system using one or more cores in which floor and ceiling panels are connected to the cores.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reference to the following specification and annexed drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view in perspective and partially broken away showing a dwelling constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational plan view of one type of core unit;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the core unit of FIG. 2 taken in section along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view taken in section of the core unit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of another type of core unit;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a portion of the core unit of FIG. 5 taken in section along lines 66 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view taken in section along lines 77 of the end of the core unit shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of still a third type of core unit;

FIG. 9 is an end view of a portion of a core unit which can be used with the core units of FIGS. 2 and 8;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the portion of the core unit of FIG. 9 taken in section along lines 1010 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view taken in section -along lines 1111 of FIG. 10 showing the end of the core unit; and

FIG. 12 is an elevational view taken in section showing one arrangement for connecting the core units and the floor and ceiling panels.

FIG. 1 shows a typical dwelling of the apartment house type constructed with an off-set, or staggered, configuration of core units in accordance with the present invention. Here, as shown, a three-story dwelling unit is constructed with a plurality of core units. Only several of the core units are shown, as is also a small segment of the entire dwelling. It should be understood that the construction of FIG. 1 can be extended either vertically for additional floors and/or horizontally for desired distances in accordance with the constructional and functional requirements of the dwelling.

The dwelling shown in FIG. 1, comprises a first story 10 with one core unit 15 located therein. The description of the particular core unit 15 of FIG. 1 and the other various types of core units which can be used is given in greater detail below. However, in general, it can be stated that core 15 has a pair of vertical side walls 15a and 15b; and top and bottom walls with passageways 15c and 15d inside thereof. The two passageways 15c and 15d are sealed off and are used to route utility lines such as plumbing, heating, electricity, air conditioning, drains, etc. The core forms a rigid, box-beam structure which is selfsupporting along its length when the core is supported at its ends.

Attached to the bottom of the side Walls 15a and 15b of the core unit 15 are floor panels 11 and 12. For the purpose of explanation, it is considered that the first floor is the bottom floor of the dwelling and it is shown restrig, for example, on a number of pairs of footings which are illustratively designated as 16a, 16b and 160. The footings can extend the complete depth of the core or they can be used only at the ends of the cores on the lower floors. -In the latter configuration, if vertical columns are used the space beneath the lowest floor can be used for other purposes, such as parking. As many of these footings as needed may be utilized. It also should be understood that the dwelling can be suspended by any of a number of conventional methods such as cantilever suspension, wire rope suspension, etc. It also can rest on a concrete slab construction. The particular type of arrangem'ent for suspending the dwelling or holding it on or above the ground is not essential to the present invention except where otherwise indicated.

As is also shown in FIG. 1, a respective vertical side wall panel 13 and 14 is supported on the respective floor panel 11 and 12 and on the floor panels of the next adjacent upper fioor to form room areas. As should be apparent, the floor panels of the second floor form the ceiling for the first floor. The connections of the vertical side walls 13 and 14 to the floor and ceiling panels are shown as being a tongue and groove arrangement 17. Brackets or angles (not shown) can be used for additional support where the side walls join the floor and ceiling. Since the vertical walls normally do not support any weight, they can be of light structure.

The floor (and ceiling) panels are preferably made of a reinforced construction, e.g. honeycomb, since they must support weight. Each panel is supported by two adjacent cores, or in the use of the first floor panels on one core and an external support member. The bottom floor 10 also has additional space to the left of the side wall 13 and to the right of the side wall 14. A door 14a is located in the side wall 14 to permit access to the dwelling space to the right of the side wall 14. It should be apparent a room is formed between the bottom wall 11, the side wall 13 and the side wall 15a of the core. Similarly, another room is formed between the side wall 15b of the core, the bottom wall floor 12 and the side wall 14. These two rooms can be used for any desired purpose and can be part of the same apartment or of two different apartments. The door 14a can provide access to another room of the same apartment or to a hallway.

Considering now the second floor of the dwelling, there is no core unit located immediately above the core unit 15 of the first floor. Instead, floor panels 21 and 22 are provided. Floor panel 21, which forms the ceiling for the room below on the first floor, is supported on the top left corner of the first floor core 15 and the bottom of a core 125. Floor panel 22, which forms the ceiling for the room below on the first floor, is supported on the top right corner of the first floor core 15 and the bottom of the core 25. The floor'panels to the right and left of the cores 25 and 125 have their other ends connected to the respective cores and to other support members, such as additional cores (not shown) to the right and left. The floor panel 22 on the second floor is preferably split at 22a, as shown. A hinge is preferably provided either at the split 22a or at the adjacent wall 26 to permit the fioor section to the left of 22a to be opened or removed. This provides access to the top section 15d of the first floor core unit 15. The top and bottom interior walls of the core 15 can also be made hinged or removable, if desired, to provide access to the passageways 15c and 15d. A vertical wall 26 is located between the right corner of floor panel 21 and the bottom right corner of a floor panel 31 on the next upper floor. This divides the areas between cores 25 and 125 into two separate rooms. As should also be apparent, the wall 26 can also be located at the split 22a above the top right-hand corner of core 15. These vertical walls are optional and can be located at any place since they do not support any weight. A door 26a provides aaccess between the two room areas.

The core unit 25 located to the right of the floor panel 22 also contains a passageway 25c at its bottom to pro vide space for utilities. Core 25 is also formed with steps 27 above a landing 27a. The steps join the top and bottom of the core walls and are an integral part thereof, further strengthening the core. The steps provide access from the second floor 20 to the space in the top floor 30' of the structure. A railing 27b is also located on the right wall 25b of the core. As seen the right wall 25b is offset slightly to the left so that the space to the right on the core 25 can be used for other purposes. The offset space also allows for a utility passage 25d at the end of the core which is cut away for the steps. A beam 25 is also provided on the upper portion of the core 25 extending beyond the step and landing area. The beam 25] also can be made hollow to provide for a utility passage in addition to its function as serving as a structural member.

A door 28 is also provided in the right wall 25b of the core unit 25 at the landing 27a to provide access to the space behind offset wall 2511 which illustratively can be used as a closet, pantry, etc. Thus, as should be apparent, another room or living space unit is provided between the vertical wall 26, the bottom panel or floor 22 and the core 25. The ceiling for this area is formed by an upper floor panel 32 which is connected to another core 3 on the third floor as is described in greater detail below.

The second core on the second floor defines one wall of another living area unit which is bounded by the floor 21, the vertical wall 26, and the ceiling 31, which is the floor panel of a third floor unit attached to core member 35. A closet or pantry area 62 is provided in the offset area adjacent the stairs 27 to which access is had by a pair of sliding doors 63. A sliding door 72 provides access to a bath area, as is described below in connection with FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. The steps, landing and utility areas of the core 125 are given the same reference numerals as the core 25 since the parts thereof are essentially the same.

Considering now the third floor 30 of this structure, a single core 35 is located directly above the first floor core unit 15. Core 35 has the vertical side walls 35a and 35b and the lower and upper passages for utilities designated 35c and 35d. A floor panel 31 is held on the upper righthand corner of the core 125 of the second floor and the lower left-hand corner of core 35. The floor panel 32 to the right of core 35 is supported on the lower righthand corner of the core 35 and the upper left-hand corner of the core unit 25 of the second floor.

A roof, panel 41, which can be of the same construction as the-various floor panels, is held on the upper left corner of the core 35 and on a triangular truss beam 45. A similar roof panel 42 is shown to the right of the core 35 with its left end resting on the upper right corner of core 35 and its right end on another truss beam 45. These beams 45 are also self-supporting. Due to their natural rigidity, the truss beams 45 support the ceiling panels, e.g. panel 42 which is connected to one of the beams. Of course, the ends of the truss beams are supported on suitable vertical supports. An additional possible use of the beams 45 is to provide light to the various living areas through the circular cut outs 45a.

Also, as seen in the second andthird floor areas 20 and 30, a number of sliding or folding glass doors 50 are provided giving access to a terrace area 52 which can be exposed to the light by offsetting the various floors with respect to each other so that each lower floor extends out a distance equal to the terrace area from the floor immediately above it. The floors for the terrace areas can be continuations of the various floor panels, e.g. 21 and 22.

As should be apparent the building of FIG. 1, is of relatively simple construction. All that is required is a number of cores 15, 25 (125) and 35 which are at staggered locations on the various floors in a checker board pattern. To explain the construction another way, taking any given core, such as core on the first floor, on the floor (second) immediately above it, there will be a core on each side (25 and 125). On the next (third) floor there is a core (35) directly above the core of the first floor. Thus, the core 35 of the third floor is directly above the core 15 of the first floor. If a fourth floor were added to the building, it would have two cores directly above the second floor 25 and 125 and no core above the third floor core 35. Similarly, if the building had a fifth floor, there would be a core directly above both cores 15 and 35 of the first and third floors and no cores above the cores 25 and 125 of the second floor or the corresponding cores of the fourth floor.

A pair of cores on adjacent floors form an integral portion of the supporting structure for the ceiling and the floor panels of a part of, or a complete, dwelling unit. Thus, for example, considering the right-hand dwelling unit of the second floor of FIG. 1, the floor panel 22 is supported from the top right corner of the core 15 of the first floor and suspended from the bottom left-hand corner of the core 25 of the second floor. The vertical wall 26 is supported on the core 15 of the first floor. Similarly, the ceiling 32, which is the floor panel 32 of the third floor, is connected to the bottom of the third floor core 35 and supported on the top of the core 25 of the second floor.

As should be apparent, the present invention provides a relatively simple building system which is structurally sound and in which numbers of the same type of cores, floor (ceiling) panels and side walls are utilized thereby greatly simplifying construction and reducing costs. The cores are box-beam structures thereby providing structural integrity for the building. As is described in greater detail below, the cores are preferably prefabricated, as are the floor and ceiling panels, and it is only necessary to assemble the cores and the floors, ceilings and vertical walls on site. Also, all of the utility lines and services are made an integral part of the core so that it is only necessary to make connections at the end of each core structure to provide the necessary utilities for each living unit and room of the dwelling. Further, as also should be apparent, the cores can be modified for any desired purpose and to obtain any desired configuration, such as utility or service outlet, bathrooms, kitchens, etc. Also, as seen for example in FIG. 1, stairs can be provided between the second and third floors of the building. Further, the vertical walls as well as the core walls can be provided in any desired manner with doors so that there can be access from one dwelling space, or room, to another dwelling space.

By reason of the use of cores, the present invention makes it possible to build small or large structures which have considerable versatility. Thus, for example, a duplex apartment can be formed of the entire second floor area shown in FIG. 1, with access to the third floor through the stairs 27 and an entrance way which communicates with an elevator or common passageway through the door 128 of the core member 125. Alternatively, the door 26a in the vertical wall 26 can be closed off so that one apartment comprises the area on the second floor to the right of the vertical wall 26 and the third floor to which access is gained from the stairs 27. Many other types and combinations of single floor and duplex apartment arrangements are possible in using the structures of the present invention.

It should be understood that as many or as few cores can be used as needed, depending upon the building requirements. Thus, for example, a single core can be used in a one floor, one or two dwelling unit structure. The one core would carry all of the utilities in a manner to be described below, and the floor and ceiling panels are supported from the core and on other vertical supports. Multiple cores are used in larger one floor dwellings or in multi-story buildings. In the latter case, the staggered or 6 checker board construction described above with respect to FIG. 1 is preferred.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4, there is shown one particular type of core 60 which can be utilized in accordance with the structure of the persent invention. The core of these figures can be, for example, the core of FIG. 1. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used, where applicable. For purposes of description, the core 60 is designated as a utility core ha'vnig a kitchen, bath and integral stairs. The interior area of the core can be used for any other purpose, e.g. powder room, kitchen only, bath only, sitting room, hallway, or combinations thereof, etc.

The core 60 of generally rectangular construction having rectangular passageways 25c and 25d at the bottom and top of the core respectively through which all of the various utilities may be routed such as electricity, water and heat. In use, the heating and air conditioning ducts are preferably located in the passageways 25c and 25a so that heat can be provided to a living area. from the bottom of the core and air conditioning from the top. As should be apparent from FIG. 1, a core can serve the floor it is on as well as the floors above and below it. Thus, the core 125 can provide air conditioning from ducts in upper passage 25d to the second floor, heat from ducts in passage 25d to the third floor and air conditioning from ducts in paggage 25c to the first floor.

Suitable registers and/or other heat or cold radiating devices may be provided in the top and bottom passages 25c and 25 and at the sides thereof to serve the same floor. Electrical outlets, such as 37 of FIG. 1, are also located above the floor of each core, these outlets being connected to the current carrying wires in the passageway immediately below. Outlets can also be provided on a wall, such as 2-6, which is not a part of a core, by bringing wires up from the top utility passage of the core immediately below, e.g. 15d of core 15. Suitable electrical connections (not shown) would be provided in both the core passage and the wall.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the side walls 25a and 25b of the core 60 are of any suitable material. It is preferred that the entire core be formed of a suitable rigid structural material, such as steel, so that the core can be incorporated as an integral and supporting structural part of the building. This is highly desirable, as should be apparent from FIG. 1, since there are many panels such as floor panels, roof panels and wall panels, which are supported on or supported by a core. A double skin construction is shown for much of the core since this permits a greater degree of structural rigidity and also provides a space which can be used as an air insulating space or for bulk or slab insulation. Electrical cabling also can be routed through the space. The metal core walls can also be coated with suitable decorative material, which preferably is of the fireproof type.

The core 60 is shown as being adapted for a kitchenbath configuration with access to the respective kitchen and bath areas being had from opposite sides of the core. Thus, the kitchen can be entered from the living space on one side of the core and the bath from the living space on the other side. This permits the same core to serve two different living spaces or apartments. By suitable arrangements of the doors, both the kitchen and the bath can be entered from the same side of the core. As indicated previously, a core can be used for other than kitchen and bath purposes. However, its use for these purposes is more practical because of the ready access to the utility services on the top and bottom of the core.

The closet area 62 is shown in FIG. 3 in the side wall 25b with access being had by a pair of sliding doors 63. Of course, any suitable door arrangement may be utilized. The steps 27 are built directly into the core as an integral part thereof between the rear wall of the closet 62 and the side wall 25a. The steps extend from the landing 27a to the top wall of the core. The steps are preferably also made of a rigid material, such as steel, to thereby further 7 reinforce the construction of the core and, effectively, make it a rigid box beam. As shown, the core top wall, the steps, and the landing 2711 are made of a single piece of material. The back Wall 29d also makes the core structure more rigid. Also, one or more transverse beams 79d lie across the core.

To the left of the stairs 27 there is a bathroom compartment having a washbasin diagrammatically indicated at 68, a tub at 69 and a toilet at 70. The core of FIG. 6 is designed for access from the side of the wall 25b and the sliding door 72 rides in a track in the wall 25b. As should be apparent, there is no problem with making the necessary water connections to the plumbing fixtures 68, 69 and 70 since the utility passageway 25c in the bottom of the core readily provides these.

To the left of the bathtub 69 is a space for a sauna bath or shower stall 75. Entrance to the stall 75 is made through a pair of sliding doors 77 which move in tracks located on the bottom of the core. Here again, it is very easy to use a sauna in a core since the necessary heating ducts and steam can be provided through the utility passages on the top and bottom of the core.

A number of lighting fixtures 78, shown as fluorescent lamps, are located in the top of the bath compartment. Electrical connection to the fixtures is made from the top utility passage 25d. Another lighting fixture 78 is located above the landing area 27a recessed in an angle brace 27e which runs across the front of the core. The latter brace is optional.

As should be apparent from FIG. 4, the entire bottom compartment can be assembled in a sub-shell 67 which can them be fastened to the core body. One end of the sub-shell 67 is shown mounted on a support 67a in the passage 250. The support 67a can be a transverse beam to further strengthen the core. The other end of the sub-shell 67 is fastened to a brace member 27g under the steps and to the steps themselves. The sub-shell assembly is also advantageous since it permits the bath units to be made on an assembly line basis. In general, any sub-assembly or sub-shell that is used within the hollow interior of a core is preferably connected to at least two of the core walls, and preferably to all four walls. This further strengthens the box beam configuration. It also should be understood that any component, such as cabinets, etc., which are connected between two or more walls of the core become an integral part thereof and increase the overall strength of the box beam type structure.

To the left of the sauna is a kitchen area 80 to which access is had through a door or passageway 82 at the extreme left end of the core, if this is a complete kitchen and/or from the side of Wall 25a. The side entrance is used if an end section core, to be described below, is to be used with the core 60. This passage 82 is not shown in FIG. 1 since it is blocked by the doors 52. The kitchen area 80 has a counter top gas range 84 with a number of burners on top. The area 86 is an L-shaped counter with a lazy susan 88 located beneath the counter to store food and other accessories. The kitchen compartment also can be made as a sub-assembly whose wall is shown at 90 and then fastened to the core. The kitchen and bath sub-assemblies also form an integral part of the core structure. A corner post is shown at 89 and closets at 91. A vent 92 is also located in the top of the kitchen compartment. All wiring and ducting, as before, is from the utility passages.

. FIG. shows a side elevational view of a modification of the core 60 of FIGS. 2-4 which is useful in an application where the cores are held by a cantilever type post construction. Here, the core 60 is of the same general configuration as described with respect to FIGS. 2-4. As previously indicated, any core can function as a kitchen, bath, combination kitchen-bath, walkway, hallway, etc.

Connected to the left end of the core 60 is an end section 100 which is preferably made separately and then attached to a core 60, such as by bolting or using other removable fasteners. As shown in greater detail in FIGS. 6 and 7 the end section 100 is also arranged in a kitchentype configuration to be an extension of the core 60.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 there is an extension 109 of the kitchen floor partially into the interior of the end section and overlying the utility compartment 1000. The latter is a continuation of utility compartment 25c of core 60. There is a side entrance Way 103 adjacent a corner post 104. A refrigerator 113 is located in the end section as is a sink 115 and another lazy susan 117. The vent 122 is made a continuation of the vent 92 (FIG. 4). A closet 124 is also located in the end section. While the closet doors are located on the core outer wall, they can also be placed inside the end section.

The end section 100. is shown having a self-contained heating unit 130, which can be electric, and a pair of fans 132 adjacent thereto. The unit is held below a top 136 which extends rearward of the sink 115. Reference numeral 140 indicates a vertical flue and ductwork connecting to the vertical chases in the column structure.

The end section 100 has a saddle into which would fit the mating upper end of a cantilever column 156 for supporting the core (see FIG. 5). As described previously the core itself supports other various panels. The support columns can also carry utility lines from one floor to the other and/ or to the main supply on the ground. In one type of building, the first floor cores are elevated above ground by the column saddle support structure at one end and vertical columns used at other support points. The space below the first fioor can then be used as a parking area or as a mall. Additional floors of the building can be then stacked evenly on top of the first floor. As another arrangement, the floors can be offset from each other, as shown in FIG. 1, by using the cantilever column support arrangement, one floor on top of another, with the columns for one floor located on the floor below.

FIG. 8 shows two cores 60 located end-to-end with a modular hallway located between the two. The hallway is also pre-formed as a structural box beam member and has openings (not shown) opposite each stair landing area. The hallway would extend for a distance to provide access from a central entrance, such as an elevator, to each core unit. Each core unit in turn provides an opening to a living area.

While the cores 60 heretofore described have been shown as having steps 27, it should be understood that the steps are not necessary. Instead the end of the core Where the steps appear can be finished off substantially square or rectangular like the rest of the core and, if desired, a door placed in the end wall.

The structure of FIG. 8 illustrates another different type of end section 300 which can be used with a core 60, if desired. The end sections 300 are used if desired, where the cores are to be held in a more conventional vertical column support arrangement or Where the cores are to be suspended by cables.

The outer end of a section 300 is shown in FIGS. 9 and 11. As seen in FIG. 11 a cable 340 passes through a sleeve 342 formed in the end Wall 3062. The sleeve 342 is angled as shown to accommodate the staggered spacing of the cores as shown in FIG. 1. Thus, the cable 340 would pass to the offset core on the next floor, above and/ or below. The lower and upper utility passages 3250 and 32-50! are extensions of the passages 25c and 25d. Other electrical cabling and ducting 346 is shown in FIG. 1&1.

The interior of the end section 300 can be of the same type as end section 100. A door 360 is shown to provide access. Corner braces or beams 366 and 368, with portions cut out to reduce weight, are also used and wiring 370 can be run within the braces.

It should be pointed out here that it is not necessary to use either the end sections 100 or 300. Thus, the ends of a core 60 can be finished off as shown in FIGS. 24, either with or without steps.

FIG. 12 shows the details of one type of arrangement,

which is slightly different from that shown in FIG. 1, for joining a floor (or ceiling) panel 200' to two core units, one of which is located above and one below the panel. As shown in FIG. 12, a first core unit 60-1 is considered to be on the upper door and a second core unit 60-2 on the lower floor. The panel 200 is considered to be a floor panel for the same floor on which core 60-1 is located and a ceiling panel for the floor on which core 60-2 is located.

Considering first the juncture of the panel 200 to the core 60-1, it should first be noted that the panel is formed of a honeycomb structure 202 for added strength, between upper and lower skin layers 204 and 206. As indicated, the upper layer 204 of the floor is covered with a suitable flooring material 208 such as vinyl, or any other type of tile, linoleum or wood. The flooring 208 is preferably installed before the entire building is assembled. The lower layer 206 has an upwardly extending vertical wall 212 attached thereto. A corner brace 214 is located between the upper and lower layers 204 and 206 and ex tends the depth of the panel 200. Connected to the upper substantially horizontal arm of the corner brace 214 is an angle mounting bracket 216 which is of generally U- shaped construction. The mounting bracket 216 also extends the length of the panel and is provided with holes or intermittent slots to accept an electrical outlet strip 225 or a pluralit of single mounted electrical outlets, such as the receptacles 37 of FIG. 1. A strip is preferably used so that there can be a single plug-in to the core utility compartment. A generally L-shaped plate 220, which also extends the depth of the panel, has the side of its long leg connected to the upstanding vertical wall 212 and has a downturned leg 221 which is connected to the mounting bracket 216. These connections between the various plates and brackets are made in a suitable structural manner, such as by welding.

The panel 200 is held to the side wall 25b of the core, which is here shown as being two layers thick at its bottom portion, by a plurality of bolts 222 or other suitable fasteners which pass through the mounting plate 220, the vertical wall 212 of the floor panel and the side wall 25b of the core. As should be apparent, the core is slightly recessed at its bottom corner and is also preferably recesed at each of the other three corners to accept ceiling and floor panels. A suitable number of bolts 222 are provided as is necessary to assure good structural support. If desired, insulator bushings 223, of rubber or a suitable resilient or semi-resilient material, can be used to mount the bolts to prevent air leakage and also to provide a more resilient mounting of the panel to the core. As is also shown, the location of the floor panel in the core is set by the top portion of the mounting bracket 216.

An angle mounting bracket 230 is connected to the outer leg of the mounting bracket 216. This mounting bracket supports a suitable wall material such as panelling or sheet rock on its bottom, outwardly extending leg. The wall material also can be permanently bonded to the core walls or otherwise assembled as a fixed member when the coreis being constructed. The wall material 232 rests up against the side wall of the core 125-1 and is held at the top thereof by another mounting bracket or clip in any suitable manner. Additional fasteners also can be used at the core side wall, if necessary.

A suspended ceiling sheet 240, shown in dotted lines, can be fastened to the bottom layer of the floor panel to serve the living area on the floor below. While the suspended ceiling is shown, it should be understood that the bottom layer 206 can also be permanently covered with any suitable ceiling material.

The connection of the floor panel 200 to the top of the core 60-2 is similar. Here, the top layer 204 is provided along its length with one or more holes 250 which serve as heat register units. These holes are covered by suitable grilles. A generally conical collar 251 with a neck 252 is connected to the underside of 'fioor layer 204 around the hole 250.

The panel top layer 204 has a downwardly extending edge 204a and an inwardly turned leg 204b which rests on the top of the recessed wall of core 60-2. A corner brace 254 is also provided between the upper and lower layers 204 and 206. Connected across the corner brace is another brace or beam member 258. An S-shaped plate 264 is also connected to the underside of layer 204 and a bracket 26.8 is connected to the plate. The lower leg of the bracket 268 rests on the top wall of the core. A receptacle strip 265 is held between the ends of the brackets 258 and 268'.

The corner bracket 254 has a downwardly turned leg 254a and a cross-brace 270 is connected between leg 254a and the downturned end of the bottom panel layer 206. A series of bolts 272 mounted in bushings 273 connect the panel to the core 60-2 with the end of the panel resting on the recessed top of the core wall on the legs 20412 and 268. The core wall is reinforced at the point of connection by an angle brace 280 whose upper wall has a hole with a downwardly turned lip 280a to accept the neck 252 of the register cone. If desired, the cone 252 can be a plural section telescoping structure. A flexible heating pipe 284, which is located in the core upper utility compartment has its end fastened around lip 280 by a clamp 286.

To complete the assembly, the lower corner 271, to which is connected the bottom ends of braces 254a and 270, has a clip 290 connected thereto for holding the top of the wall material 232 of the lower living unit. Another receptacle strip 295 is held between the end legs of the brace 270 and the corner piece 271.

As should be apparent, the panel connecting assembly of FIG. 12 can be used in making the connection between offset cores on adjacent floors to provide the floor of the living unit of one floor and the ceiling of the living unit of the other. Of course, the panels can be of any desired size and can be supported by other vertical walls, such as the walls 13 and 26 of FIG. 1, to provide additional support and/ or, divide a given living unit into rooms of the desired size. It should also be understood that the structural details of the panel assembly of FIG. 12 can be changed to fasten it to the core in accordance with accepted building practices.

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above, it will be understood that these are illustrative only, and the invention is limited solely by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A building system for a multi-story building includ ing at least two core members each having one wall portion which defines a respective adjacent usable area, each of said core members having top, bottom and joining side walls defining a hollow interior and forming a substantially rigid elongated box-like structural member, each core member being located in said building system on two separate floors offset from the core member on the next adjacent floor, first horizontal support means, means for mounting said first horizontal support means between the core member on one floor at its top wall and the core member on the next adjacent fioor above, said first horizontal support means serving as a ceiling member for the usable area adjacent the core member of said one floor and as a floor member on the next adjacent floor above.

2. The building system of claim 1 further comprising a second horizontal support means, means for mounting said second horizontal support means to said core member of said one floor adjacent its bottom wall to form a floor for the usable area adjacent the core member of said one floor which is defined by one side wall of said core member and said first and second horizontal members.

3. The building system of claim 1 further comprising another said core member located on the adjacent floor below said one floor and offset from the core on said one floor, a second horizontal support means, means for mounting said second horizontal support means between the core on said one floor adjacent its bottom wall and the core on said next adjacent floor below adjacent its top wall, said second horizontal support means serving as a floor for the usable area adjacent the core on said one floor which is defined by one side wall of said core member of said one floor and said first and second horizontal members.

4. The building system of claim 1 wherein the core member of said one floor has integral steps connected between its top and bottom walls to permit access from said one floor to the next adjacent floor above.

5. The building system of claim 2 further comprising at least one vertical wall extending between said first and second horizontal support members at a point remote from said side wall of said one floor to define an enclosed three dimensional usable area.

6. The building system of claim 3 further comprising at least one vertical wall extending between said first and second horizontal support members at a point remote from said side wall of said one floor to define an enclosed three dimensional usable area.

7. The building system of claim 3 further comprising a vertical wall on a given floor is located between core members on the next adjacent floors above and below supported by the core on said floor below and supporting the core on the floor above.

8. The building system of claim 2 wherein the core member on said one floor is formed with an entrance to the core interior, and fixture means mounted in the core interior and accessible through said entrance, said core having at least one passage for utility service lines, said fixture means serviced by the utility lines in the core passage.

9. The building system of claim 3 wherein the core member on said one floor has utility service passages in the top and bottom thereof capable of servicing said one floor and the next adjacent floors above and below.

10. The building system of claim 1 further comprising a longitudinal passage in one of said core members to accommodate a utility service line to which access is pro vided from the exterior of said core.

11. A building system comprising a core unit formed as a rigid, elongated box beam member having structurally interconnected top, bottom and side walls surrounding an interior space, at least one passage formed in said core along at least a portion of the length thereof, at least one utility service line located in said passage, first and second three dimensional panel members which are originally separate from said core, means for mounting said members to said core unit substantially horizontally adjacent the top and bottom of said core unit and exterior thereto, a third three dimensional panel member separate from said first and second members and connected vertically of and between said first and second horizontal members remote from said core unit to define a living space area between said first, second and third members and a side wall of said core unit with said first and second members respectively forming a ceiling and a floor for said living space and said third member and said one side wall of the core defining vertical walls of said living space, said one side wall of the core which defines the living area formed with an opening to permit access to the interior of the core unit, and means providing access from an area exterior to one of the walls of the core unit to the utility service passage and the utility service line therein.

12. The building system of claim 11 wherein the core unit is formed with longitudinal passages for utility service lines adjacent the top and bottom walls thereof.

13. The building system of claim 11 further comprising mounting means on said core unit, and a cantilever type column support member engaging said mounting means to support said core.

14. The building system of claim 11 further comprising a sub-shell assembly having fixtures therein which are serviced by the core utility service line, access to said fixtures being had through the opening in the core wall, and means connecting said sub-shell assembly to at least two of the core walls to increase the structural rigidity of the core unit.

15. The building system of claim 11 further comprising an integral stair means connected between the top and bottom walls of the core unit to strengthen the box beam structure.

16. A building system as in claim 11 further comprising a structural member connected between two opposing walls of the core unit to provide additional structural strength for the box beam.

17. A building system as in claim 16 wherein said additional structural member comprises stairs connected between the top and bottom walls of the core unit.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,995,573 3/ 1935 Matthews. 3,430,398 3/1969 Green.

FOREIGN PATENTS 658,482 1965 Belgium.

50,745 1966 Germany. 431,023 1967 Switzerland.

OTHER REFERENCES German printed application to Rhode R 10,914 v37f, Mar. 15, 1956.

JOHN E. MURTAGH, Primary Examiner U.S. Cl. X.R. 

